Chicken Salad Croissant
Looking for a quick and delicious summer recipe? This chicken salad croissant recipe offers a fresh twist on a classic, with zesty lemon, refreshing dill, and a pop of sweetness from grapes. It’s a light and flavorful option that’s perfect for brunch or a quick lunch, and it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken. With simple ingredients and no fuss, this is the go-to dish when you need something fresh and tasty in minutes!
This chicken salad croissant is all about combining vibrant flavors with buttery, flaky goodness. The tangy dill and lemon bring out the freshness, while grapes offer a pop of sweetness. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit dietary needs, like leaving out nuts for those with allergies, or substituting the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Plus, the chicken salad can be prepped ahead of time, making assembly quick and easy on the day. Whether you’re planning a brunch, relaxed lunch or light dinner, this recipe offers versatility, convenience and a satisfying mix of textures in every bite.
Ingredients – What You Need
- Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast, diced evenly for consistent texture. Leftover chicken works really well here and saves time.
- Croissants: Soft, freshly baked croissants are key to getting a buttery, flaky mouthfeel. Croissants hold up well to the weight of the chicken salad while adding a rich texture.
- Mayonnaise & Dijon Mustard: These ingredients create a creamy base with just the right hint of tang. The Dijon mustard balances the richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Celery & Red Onion: Finely chopped celery adds crunch, while red onion provides a subtle bite that complements the sweetness of the grapes. If you prefer a milder flavor, green onions are a good alternative.
- Grapes: Juicy, halved grapes introduce a sweet contrast that elevates the salad beyond typical versions. For a different spin, diced apple can be used as a substitute.
- Almonds (Optional): Almonds give a satisfying crunch, though you can leave them out if needed for allergies.
- Fresh Dill & Lemon Juice: Fresh dill adds a vibrant, herbaceous touch, while lemon juice brightens the flavors and keeps everything fresh-tasting.
- Lettuce Leaves: These add an extra layer of crispness and freshness when tucked into the croissant, enhancing both flavor and texture.
How To Make Chicken Salad Croissants
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by chopping the celery and red onion finely. Halve the grapes and set aside.
- Make the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken breast with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Add the chopped celery and red onion, mixing thoroughly.
- Add Flavors: Fold in the halved grapes, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix until all ingredients are well coated.
- Assemble the Croissants: Slice the croissants in half horizontally. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each croissant. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken salad onto each croissant, making sure it’s well-packed.
- Top and Serve: Close the croissants with the top halves and serve immediately. For a refreshing touch, chill the assembled croissants in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving.
Freezing & Storage
While you can freeze the chicken salad for up to 3 months, it’s best to avoid freezing with grapes and celery as their texture may change. Instead, keep the chicken salad in the fridge for up to 5 days for the best freshness.
Not particularly – it’s delicious, but the buttery croissant and creamy mayo make it high in calories and fats. While it offers some protein from the chicken, the overall nutritional profile leans more towards indulgence than health. Moderation is key.
Yes – if assembled ahead of time, the croissant can absorb moisture from the salad, making it soggy by morning. It’s best to store the components separately and assemble just prior to serving.
Typically around 500-700 calories, but it varies depending on portion size and ingredients like mayo and croissant type.
This recipe specifically calls for mayonnaise, but you can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor and creaminess of the salad.
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Chicken Salad Croissant Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 croissants large, freshly baked
- 4 leaves lettuce washed and patted dry
- 2 cups chicken breasts diced (about 2 – 3 medium chicken breasts)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup celery finely chopped (about 2 stalks)
- ½ cup grapes halved (red or green)
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup almonds slivered or chopped (optional for crunch)
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the chicken salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, grapes, almonds and fresh dill.
- Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Assemble the croissants
- Slice the croissants in half horizontally.
- Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each croissant.
- Spoon ¼ of the chicken salad mixture onto each croissant.
- Place the top half of the croissant over the filling.
Serve
- Serve the Chicken Salad Croissants immediately, or chill them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes for a refreshing touch.